FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT EASTER EGG ROLL - PAGE 4

So you didn't get invited to the big outdoor Easter egg roll at the White House this year with the Obamas. Sure, hunting for eggs alongside Sasha and Malia would make this year memorable, but why travel all the way to the nation's capital when you can participate in Eggstravaganza, the springtime tradition closer to home? Come at 1 p.m. for the festivities and to meet the Easter Bunny before the horn blows at 2 to signal the start of the hunt. Children ages 2 to 8 will be divided into age groups, because there's nothing worse than the 5-year-old trying to edge out a toddler in a quest for more eggs.

Thousands of children raced around the White House lawn Monday in search of Easter eggs as President Clinton hosted the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, a tradition dating to 1878. Despite clouds and a chill March breeze, people waited for hours to get tickets to the event, which is open to anyone bringing a child between the ages of 3 and 6. The roll, a race in which children push wooden Easter eggs along the ground with a spoon, was moved to the White House from the grounds of the Capitol by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878.

"He just better be prepared for a lot of friends." Michael Jordan's advice to Don Calhoun, the guy who became an instant millionaire by sinking a promotional basketball shot at last week's Bulls-Miami game. The Evansville, Ind., city council passed an ordinance banning pets at public gatherings of more than 500 people. The only exceptions are critters trained to assist people (like guide dogs) or animals that are part of an event like a pet parade. IT'S YOUR MOVE So you thought checkers was a simple little game.

Alexandria Bennefield of Aurora is no stranger to the stage. At the age of 8, she was chosen to portray Josefina at Chicago's American Girl Place Theater. Since then, she has belted out the National Anthem at Wrigley Field on a number of occasions and performed at the White House Easter Egg Roll in 2003. Now the 14-year-old has been voted the Aurora Idol for 2004. "The Aurora Idol Show" culminated recently during Downtown Alive festivities sponsored by the city. After the shows on Friday nights, spectators were invited to vote online for their favorite singers.

WASHINGTON — In a mood to play, the Obamas opened the South Lawn on Monday to thousands of frolicking children for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha and their grandmother, Marian Robinson, turned out. "Is this not the most perfect day for the Easter Egg Roll?" Michelle Obama asked. The first family planned activities like football, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, yoga and hula hoop.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will open the South Lawn of the White House on April 25 for the annual Easter egg roll. They're calling the event, their third, "Get Up and Go!" Registration for an online lottery to win tickets will open at 11:01 p.m. Wednesday and end at 10:59 p.m. March 13. Tickets are free and nontransferable. More information is at whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll. The fun-filled spring fling, a tradition dating to 1878, will feature live music, sports courts, cooking stations, storytelling and the requisite egg rolling.

Easter brunch at the White House on Sunday was much more than pancakes. Here's what the president and guests chowed down on, according to "The Swamp," the Tribune's political blog. And the side of sass? Only RedEye can cook that stuff up. - Honey baked ham with maple mustard sauce: If the president wants a midnight snack, we recommend this between two golden waffles. - Eggs Benedict: Very heavy meal so far. The adults will have to participate in the Easter Egg Roll after this.

The Sports Xchange Earnhardt Jr.'s car helps kick off NASCAR's patriotic salute at White House NASCAR Wire Service, Distributed by the Sports Xchange WASHINGTON -- The annual White House Easter Egg Roll has been rolling strong for 134 years. This year's version had an element of rolling thunder to it. The No. 88 National Guard Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. made a special appearance at The Ellipse in the nation's capital Monday, helping to kick off a patriotic initiative "NASCAR Unites -- An American Salute.

Obama, McCain on TV Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain are going to New York. Obama will chat it up on "The View" on Friday, while McCain will joke it up with David Letterman on his show April 1. Kevorkian for Congress Assisted-suicide advocate Jack Kevorkian (above) announced Monday in Southfield, Mich., that he's running for Congress as an independent. If elected, he said his main priority will be promoting the little-known Ninth Amendment, which protects rights not explicitly specified elsewhere in the Constitution.

Easter doesn't arrive until April 23, but several communities are getting a jump on the holiday and celebrating early. One of the biggest family-oriented celebrations is planned in West Chicago, where the West Chicago Downtown Business Association will sponsor an Easter Egg-Stravaganza from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the downtown shopping district. All programs and activities are free. The events will begin with an 11 a.m. performance by the Puppet Theater Club in the West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St. An Easter egg roll will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on the library lawn, and a second puppet show is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. in the library.